Free State Premier
By Thabo Mosia
On Monday, 17 February 2025, Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, alongside MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Ketso Makume, and MEC for Health, Monyatso Mahlatsi, visited the families of two South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members from the Free State who tragically lost their lives during a peacekeeping mission in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The fallen soldiers are:
• Staff Sergeant Molahlehi Ishmael Molahlehi from Selosesha, Thaba-Nchu
• Rifleman Tshidiso Andries Mabele from Senekal
• Rifleman Mokete Joseph Mobe from U-Section, Botshabelo
Premier Extends Condolences to Grieving Families
The Premier and her delegation first visited the family of Rifleman Mokete Joseph Mobe, who is survived by his wife, daughter, siblings, and mother. The family expressed their deep sorrow over their loss, while the government reassured them of its support during this difficult period.
Rifleman Mobe will be laid to rest on Saturday, 22 February 2025, at Botshabelo Arena.
The delegation then proceeded to Thaba Nchu to pay respects to the family of Staff Sergeant Molahlehi Ishmael Molahlehi. His 22-year-old daughter was visibly devastated, struggling to come to terms with the tragic loss of her father.
In a particularly heart-wrenching moment, the Premier and her team learned that Staff Sergeant Molahlehi also leaves behind a two-month-old baby—one he never had the chance to meet. His funeral has been scheduled for Sunday, 23 February 2025.
The Free State Provincial Government has pledged to assist the families with funeral arrangements, ensuring that the fallen heroes receive a dignified farewell.
Speaking during the visit, Premier Letsoha-Mathae stated:
“These men paid the ultimate price while serving their country and working towards peace on the continent. It is our duty as a government and as a nation to ensure their families are not left to grieve alone.”She also announced that Members of the Executive Council (MECs) will attend the funeral services of the fallen soldiers and assured that the government would continue to support their families. The Premier further confirmed that plans are in place to visit the family of Rifleman Mabele before the end of the week.
Background: President Ramaphosa Defends SANDF’s Peacekeeping Mission
The tragic deaths of the three soldiers from the Free State are part of a larger incident in which 14 SANDF soldiers were killed in the DRC. Their deaths have sparked national discussions on South Africa’s continued involvement in peacekeeping missions in the region.
During a memorial service at Air Force Base Swartkop in Centurion, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed mourners, defending the country’s peacekeeping efforts.
“This is not a time to be debating all the matters that have been current in our media. It is a time to mourn the death of our fallen soldiers.”He also dismissed allegations that South Africa’s involvement in the DRC is driven by business interests connected to his administration, stating:
“From the time our country became free, we have participated in many missions to bring about peace on our continent. We are a trusted and reliable country when it comes to peacebuilding.”Ramaphosa emphasised that South African troops have historically been deployed for peacekeeping efforts in Sudan, Burundi, Lesotho, Mozambique, and the DRC, highlighting that the country has lost brave soldiers in the pursuit of African stability.
“They lost their lives in defence of the defenceless. Indeed, the SANDF is for the brave, for the proud. We have fulfilled our duty to bring our soldiers home; we must now fulfil our duty to complete their mission.”SANDF’s Deployment in the DRC Under Scrutiny
The mission in the Eastern DRC has been particularly dangerous due to ongoing conflict between M23 rebels and the Congolese army, with SADC forces—including SANDF soldiers—facing increased hostilities.
Opposition parties and military analysts have raised concerns about South Africa’s continued involvement in the conflict, questioning whether the SANDF is adequately funded to sustain such missions.
The Democratic Alliance (DA), one of the most vocal critics of the deployment, has called for an immediate withdrawal of troops. DA MP Chris Hattingh stated:
“Our troops are extremely poorly resourced and equipped. The government has consistently reduced the defence budget, leaving our soldiers vulnerable in conflict zones.”Similarly, United Democratic Movement (UDM) Deputy President Nqabayomzi Kwankwa warned that SANDF’s chronic underfunding puts soldiers at unnecessary risk:
“For years, the SANDF and the Ministry of Defence have sounded the alarm on its chronic underfunding, yet these warnings have been largely ignored.”Military analysts warn that without significant budget increases, South Africa’s ability to sustain peacekeeping operations will be severely compromised.
Retired SANDF Generals Speak Out
In recent weeks, retired SANDF generals have taken to the media to criticise the state of the military, claiming that South Africa is no longer prepared for modern warfare.
A retired general, speaking anonymously, said:
“The SANDF of today is not the same force that once commanded respect in peacekeeping missions. We lack funding, we lack modern equipment, and we lack political will.”However, President Ramaphosa dismissed these claims, urging unity in honouring the fallen soldiers instead of engaging in political debates.
Government Reinforces Troop Deployment
Despite growing criticism, the SANDF has sent additional troops and military equipment to the DRC. Reports indicate that 700 to 800 soldiers have been deployed to Lubumbashi, along with supplies such as medicine, ammunition, and combat vehicles.
Defence Minister Thandi Modise acknowledged the operational challenges but reaffirmed that the mission remains crucial:
“We are aware of the risks our soldiers face, and we are doing everything possible to ensure they are adequately resourced.”However, opposition parties remain unconvinced, insisting that South Africa should reconsider its involvement in the DRC.
Funding Crisis: The Future of SANDF Peacekeeping
The declining defence budget has long been a concern for military experts, who warn that continued cuts will severely weaken South Africa’s ability to sustain peacekeeping operations.
The South African Defence Review 2015 recommended that defence spending be increased to at least 2% of GDP, yet the current budget remains below 1%.
President Ramaphosa stressed the need to maintain a strong military presence:
“We need to build a defence force capable of responding to both internal and external threats. This is not just about the DRC; this is about South Africa’s national security as a whole.”The next Defence Budget Vote in Parliament will be critical in determining whether SANDF receives the necessary financial boost or continues operating under constrained conditions.
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